Politics & Government

Portion of Route 702 Dedicated to Del. Michael Weir Sr.

The former legislator, who died in 2010, served in Annapolis for 28 years and was a champion for environmental causes.

Del. Michael Weir Sr. had a passion for the environment and for the Essex area.

That showed throughout his 28 years in the General Assembly. Weir, who died in 2010, was dedicated to protecting the Chesapeake Bay and used his elected position to improve the ecology of the bay and beyond.  He was also a valued member of the Chesapeake Bay Commission for nearly 20 years.

To honor his legacy, the state recently dedicated a portion of Route 702 in his honor. There was a brief ceremony to commemorate the event, which was attended by local and state elected officials, including Weir's son, Del. Michael Weir Jr. The younger Weir ran for his father's seat after he retired in 2002.

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"My father had such a concern for the environment and I'm just proud that the state recognized his work for causes that were so close to his hear," Weir Jr. said.

Among the envrinomental bills Weir Sr. sponsored or co-sponsored which became law include: 

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  • Maryland Used Oil Recycling Act
  • Establishing a Voluntary Cleanup Program to encourage the cleanup and redevelopment of specified contaminated properties.
  • Prohibiting the deposit of dredge spoil at the Hart-Miller Island Dredged Material Containment Facility after January 1, 2010 or after the spoil reaches specified maximum heights.
  • Water Quality Improvement Act of 1998
  • Requiring pump out facilities at certain marinas

In addition during tenure in office, Weir advocated for many improvements in his district.  Some of these visible improvements include:

  • The Back River Bridge
  • The extension of Route 702
  • The Medic Unit 58 at the former Back River Elementary School
  • The shoreline enhancement and erosion control project at Rocky Point, Hawthorne, and Carrollwood Parks

 "My father may have passed away, but his legacy will be here forever," Weir Jr. said. "Having a portion of Route 702 named after him means people for years to come will get to understand the positive impact he had in our community."

 


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